Crowded! Astonishing! Truly Mighty! These are the words that sum up my experience while visiting the city of New York in the USA. Here are some notes I consider relevant to let you know in this brand new chapter of #Memories...

To make the long story short, I have to admit that it blew me away... not only because I had the chance of experiencing the language that I love as a whole, but because it was really neat in comparison to least developed countries such as Chile. People are so used to keep their city cleaned, so you get to love that feeling from the very beginning... (including the fact that most of trash bins are divided to promote recycling! cool, isn't it?)

My journey was unforgettable, but the people I met (or most of them) were not as easy going as I expected, I was indeed a bit disappointed, although I have read that for some people New Yorkers are so kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiind. (Anyway, it wasn't my case). But I understand it, it is a city where people are always in a rush, they are worried about getting to the end of the day by finishing up all those daily duties they need to accomplish. So... in one way or another, you end up missing a set of special characteristics of Latin people: a heartfelt hug, our kindness or just a simple hand shake or real eye contact when you need some help in that crowded and confusing subway!

When it came the time to eat... OMG there were plenty of places to go to, from large Italian restaurants, going through Asian themed ones to finally experience a simple but tasty lunch in the food trucks located all around the city.... Manhattan was full of them! I recall a boy who had his own eating place near to Battery Island, the food he was offering was delicious and it changed the thoughts I used to have about eating in the outside... (if you boy, get to read this by any chance, let me tell you that your salad and that rusted chicken was great.... yummy!).

As you can imagine, the temperature was rising the 34°C most of the days (as it was summer up there) so my body needed to get hydrated during the whole day. Having said that, I just loved (but believe me) I loved the so-called American ICEE! Damn it was real! I never thought I would be able to drink it, coz' I had the idea that it was something you could only see in The Simpsons or Hey Arnold chapters. And last but not least, What was wrong with the size of the fast food offered?! Now I know why Americans have plenty of weight problems... Once I ordered a large soda, and it was really large, like huge! it was about 800/900mls so I could barely drink it. 

Talking about prices, I couldn't find any cheap places except for Century21 or BookOff... I was impressed by the amount of money people spend every day, especially when eating breakfast, lunch or buying some clothes in retailers. I wanted so badly to buy some clothes to my mother or friends, but prices were extremely high so you were actually thinking about buying them or instead, looking for a perfect souvenir store to hear the lovely ka-ching sound! Keep also in mind that a simple can of soda was about 3USD! a McDonalds promotion was around 13USD! and the tiniest souvenir in museums like MET or the MNH was not less than 10USD! and not even mention the price for one-night only at a typical hotel! Damn... my wallet was really suffering up there.

I also consider relevant to point out the incredible number of attractions I got the chance to know. Let me start by the Lady in Green... what a fantastic gown it wears! full of history, of deep feelings and also an unforgettable view of Manhattan. (I had no idea about the number of ferries that were available to take until I was right next to the shore!) Second... Times Square! Believe me when I say that it was the first time I was walking through such a crowded place, it was unreal! people taking pictures from every corner, talking in many different languages and totally lighted up by the large screens located in every building in the surroundings of it! I-N-S-A-N-E. and Third, the unforgettable route involving walking up the 7th Avenue, the impressive Grand Central Terminal and some iconic buldings including the Chrysler's and even Trump's!

As you can imagine, you always need to take some perfect shots to keep a postcard with the best panoramic view of the city, having said it so, I headed to the Rockefeller Center (at night) and also the Empire State Building (in the middle of the day)... and what a view I got! That's exactly the moment in which you understand why the city has its reputation. I felt like I was at the top of the world! BTW, every observatory is priceless, but if you suffer from vertigo, you'd better think it twice before going up until the 67th floor or higher!

When it was time to leave the city, I felt I'd barely scratched the city's surface, but next time I go to NYC, I think I'll be opting for long lunches, leisurely shopping and much less of the strenuous sight-seeing. But to sum up, it is definitely an experience you need to accomplish, and it would be much better if you do it with the love of your life... like I did.